REPORT OF THE

NCAA DIVISION I STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) submits the following report from its July 13-16, 2006, meeting.

ACTION ITEMS.

· None

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS.

1. Selection of Student-Athletes to NCAA Division I and Association-Wide Committees. The NCAA Division I Management Council Administrative Committee approved the following appointments of SAAC members to the specified Association-wide and divisional committees on its teleconference August 15, 2006:

a. NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism: Kerry Kenny, Lafayette College, The Patriot League;

b. NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Financial Aid: Jarrell Johnson, Western Illinois University, Mid-Continent Conference;

c. NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet Subcommittee on Playing and Practice Seasons: Danielle Neault, University of the Pacific, Big West Conference; and

d. NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee: Kimilia Davis, University of New Mexico, Mountain West Conference.

2. Selection of Student-Athletes to NCAA Division I National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The Administrative Committee ratified the following appointments to the Division I National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee on its teleconference August 15, 2006:

a. Ryan Brown, golf, Illinois State University; Missouri Valley Conference;

b. Matt Carter, baseball, Southeast Missouri State University, Ohio Valley Conference;

c. Brandon Diles, football, University of Tulsa, Conference USA;

d. Patrick C. Henry II, soccer, Siena College, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference;

e. Dana Hunter, swimming, Xavier University, Atlantic 10 Conference;

f. Tyler William Kupper, golf, University of Delaware, Colonial Athletic Association; and

g. Noel Larson, golf, Northern Arizona University, Big Sky Conference.

3. New Members. The following student-athletes were introduced as new members of the committee:

a. Mathew Dobbins, Atlantic Sun Conference;

b. Kerry Kenny, Patriot League;

c. Danielle Neault, Big West Conference; and

d. Brittney Schumann, Big 12 Conference.

4. Divisional Committee Reports. SAAC members were provided with reports relating to Division I committees on which SAAC members serve. The following items were noted:

a. NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Recruiting. SAAC was updated regarding the subcommittee’s review of computer-mediated communication and the resulting recommended legislative proposal sponsored by the cabinet. It was noted that the national SAAC previously had submitted feedback to the subcommittee in support of establishing parameters for such communication.

b. Subcommittee on Financial Aid. SAAC was informed of the subcommittee’s recommendations regarding providing institutions the opportunity to provide[m1] meals to walk-on student-athletes during the championship segment. In addition, similar to the current regulations for meals in conjunction with a home contest, the subcommittee recommends that institutions have the opportunity to provide away-from-home meals at the institution’s discretion.

c. Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism. SAAC was updated regarding several issues including two legislative proposals dealing with tryouts subsequent to enrollment and expansion of draft exception to include all sports. It was noted the group is continuing to review and gather information regarding promotional and endorsement issues involving student-athletes with the hope of possible legislative recommendations in the future. Further discussion of this issue by SAAC members occurred in breakout sessions.

d. NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee. National SAAC members were updated regarding the Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee’s efforts in developing policies and procedures for interaction with NCAA Amateurism Clearinghouse and possible changes to ethical conduct legislation, as well as on-going study of outcomes associated with hardship waiver appeals and recruiting violations. The group was also provided a copy of the Student-Athlete Reinstatement calendar which is available to the membership as an educational resource. The national SAAC expressed the need for continued flexibility involving mitigation associated with ethical conduct violations while the group supported continued availability of the calendar.

e. NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Issues Committee. SAAC was updated regarding the Men's Basketball Issues Committee’s recommendations regarding additional regulations for certified basketball events to enhance health and safety of prospective student-athletes and possible expansion of dead period surrounding the men’s basketball championship.

f. NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Issues Committee. SAAC was updated regarding the Women's Basketball Issues Committee’s recommendations regarding additional regulations for certified basketball events to enhance health and safety of prospective student-athletes and ongoing efforts of committee’s branding initiatives including the development of a “best practices” document and a pilot program to build awareness at all levels. It was also noted that the Women's Basketball Issues Committee confirmed its earlier position that the use of male practice players has assisted in the development of the game.

g. NCAA Division I Football Issues Committee. SAAC members were informed of the Football Issues Committee’s upcoming meeting and informed that the issue of five seasons of competition in Division I football continues to be a topic of discussion and study by the group.

5. 2006 Gender Equity and Issues Forum Report. Kimilia Davis provided an update regarding the recent Title IX clarification and the opportunity for continued education of student-athletes on campuses as well as highlights from several round-table discussions and guest speakers.

6. Joint Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Meeting. A report of the joint SAAC meeting is provided in the attachment to this report. (Attachment)

7. NCAA Division I Regional Leadership Conferences. Curtis Hollomon updated the group regarding the upcoming November 20-22, 2006, Division I Regional Leadership Conference which involves the northeast region. SAAC identified members to serve on a project team that will assist with the development and facilitation of the conference from this region.

8. National Leadership Conference. SAAC members who attended the conference in May updated the committee on the SAAC sessions at the conference. It was noted that the sessions were well received by the Division I student-athletes in attendance and should be continued as part of the program.

9. Elite Football and Basketball Student-Athlete Advisory Group. SAAC discussed its continued effort to ensure that the voice of the high profile, elite student-athlete be considered in its deliberations. The committee reviewed and supported recommendations of the administrative team who had previously reviewed all the nominations submitted by conference offices for the three sports identified to be included in the advisory group (i.e., football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball). The following individuals will serve on the advisory group [* designates a new appointment]:

a. Mkristo Bruce, football, Washington State University, Pacific-10 Conference*;

b. Jessica Davenport, women’s basketball, Ohio State University, Big Ten Conference;

c. Colin Falls, men’s basketball, University of Notre Dame, Big East Conference*;

d. Tasha Humphrey, women’s basketball, University of Georgia, Southeastern Conference;

e. Joseph Jones, men’s basketball, Texas A&M University, College Station, Big 12 Conference*;

f. Jordan Kent, men basketball, University of Oregon, Pacific-10 Conference;

g. Tyler Palko, football, University of Pittsburg, Big East Conference*;

h. Jordan Palmer, football, University of Texas at El Paso, Conference USA*;

i. Courtney Paris, women’s basketball, University of Oklahoma, Big 12 Conference*;

j. Jillian Robbins, women’s basketball, University of Tulsa, Conference USA*;

k. Nick Roach, football, Northwestern University, Big Ten Conference;

l. Daniel Sepulveda, football, Baylor University, Big 12 Conference*;

m. Will Sheridan, men’s basketball, Villanova University, Big East Conference*;

n. Emily Westerberg, women’s basketball, Arizona State University, Pacific-10 Conference*; and

o. Kyle Lee Visser, men’s basketball, Wake Forest University, Atlantic Coast Conference*.

10. Gambling Web site. The interactive gambling Web site involving national SAAC members from all three divisions is almost ready for release by the NCAA agent, gambling and amateurism staff. Following the meeting, the Web site was released and is currently available for use by member institutions and student-athletes.

11. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Administrative Team. SAAC approved the addition of Ben Hanson, Brittany Jefferson and Brittney Schumann to the SAAC administrative team.

12. Conference Updates. SAAC members highlighted unique conference activities and issues facing members during the current year as well as effective communication tools.

13. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Newsletter and NCAA News Discussions. SAAC members were encouraged to participate with the newsletter through submission of articles, editing and oversight. It was noted the group’s goal is to have a fall issue available in late August or early September. SAAC members were reminded of the opportunity for submissions to NCAA News on topics of interest.

14. Educational Sessions. SAAC members were provided additional information and resources regarding several current issues including initial-eligibility trends, Native American mascot issues, Division I governance structure and Title IX clarification. The information was provided in these areas to assist national SAAC members in providing information to conference and campus SAAC members.

15. Championship Awards Discussions. In response to a request for feedback from the NCAA championships staff (Sharon Cessna) regarding NCAA championship participation awards, SAAC members expressed interest in receiving usable items that included a logo from the event (e.g., jackets, duffle bags, shirts) rather than medallions. The group expressed a strong interest in receiving shirts with participating schools/brackets that are often sold on-site of championships.

16. Update on NCAA Strategic Plan. The committee discussed the updated strategic plan for 2005-06 and 2006-07 following the work of several members over the past months with an emphasis on two objectives during the 2006-07 academic year. Specifically, increasing opportunities for student-athletes to integrate their academic, athletics and social interests and expand the existing SAAC role in providing input into conference reviews of proposed Division I legislation impacting student-athlete well-being. It was noted that to meet goals, responsibility lies with committee members to ensure communication with conference SAAC members regarding educational resources to enhance integration of interests. Further efforts regarding increased role of SAAC members within the legislative review will include an Internet meeting to begin legislative review discussion.

17. Discussion Subgroups. SAAC members divided into subgroups to discuss the following topics:

a. NCAA 2006-07 and 2007-08 Strategic Plan. Several goals and objectives were identified within strategic planning discussions although continued review is necessary through conference calls prior to the November 2006 meeting.

b. Wrestling Automatic Qualification Process. Discussions related to the wrestling automatic qualification process resulted in recognition of championship selection as a student-athlete well-being issue with the recommendation that any selection process be encouraged to use systems based on real-time performances while being as fair as possible. SAAC members requested staff provide additional education by NCAA Division I championships staff members regarding structure of championship selection processes at future meetings.

c. Student-Athlete Nutrition Survey. In response to a request for feedback from the cabinet subcommittee on financial aid, SAAC members provided feedback regarding a student-athlete nutrition survey that will be distributed during the 2006 fall term to Division I student-athletes, administrators and coaches. The survey will primarily assess the provision of meals for away-from-home contests (e.g., provision of an actual meal or cash per diems in lieu of a meal).

d. Promotional and Endorsement Issues. Several recommendations were provided regarding promotional activities. These recommendations included that any charitable or educational promotional activities should focus on the values of intercollegiate athletics. Values identified were teamwork, academics, integrity, character, dedication, purity of sport, sportsmanship and excellence. It was noted the values do not have to be overtly stated but a clear theme should be presented. Further recommendations included greater use of team and action shots (as opposed to still shots and individual student-athletes); if a product is included in the ad, a clear line of division between student-athletes and product is necessary; and, emphasis should be placed on school, conference or NCAA logo over corporate logo although it was not necessary to limit one logo.

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18. Male Practice Players. SAAC was updated regarding the male practice players issue. Following discussions, SAAC reaffirmed the position of supporting the use of male practice players provided some regulations limiting participation.

19. Possible Topics for Future Professional Development Sessions.

a. Life after athletics and school – finding the right career;

b. Interviewing and marketing student-athlete experiences;

c. Preparation for relocating to a new city; and

d. Public speaking.

20. Attendance. As requested by the NCAA Division I Management Council, the attendance list for the July meeting is as follows:

Conference	School	Name	Sport	Present
America East Conference	University of Albany	Bradley Daniels	Baseball	Yes
Atlantic 10 Conference	St. Bonaventure University	Jacqueline Babich*	Women’s Swimming and Diving	Yes
Atlantic Coast Conference	Wake Forest University	Michael Piscetelli	Men's Track and Field	Yes
Atlantic Sun Conference	Jacksonville University	Matthew Dobbins	Baseball	Yes
Big Twelve Conference	University of Oklahoma	Brittney Schumann	Gymnastics	Yes
Big East Conference	University of Pittsburg	Megan McGrane	Women’s Volleyball	Yes
Big South Conference	Winthrop University	Beth Waggoner	Women’s Volleyball	Yes

Conference	School	Name	Sport	Present
Big Sky Conference	Portland State University	Marla Morin*	Women’s Volleyball	Yes
Big Ten Conference	University of Minnesota	Benjamin Hanson	Men’s Cross Country/Track and Field	Yes
Big West Conference	University of the Pacific	Danielle Neault	Field Hockey	Yes
Colonial Athletic Conference	Drexel University	Rachel Babcock*	Field Hockey	Yes
Conference USA	University of Alabama at Birmingham	Kristine Lara*	Softball	Yes
Horizon League	University of Illinois at Chicago	Corey Steven	Women’s Tennis	Yes
Ivy Group	Dartmouth College	Johnathan Ball	Men’s Basketball	Yes
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference	Marist College	Ray Josephs*	Men’s Tennis	Yes
Mid-American Conference	Ohio University	Spencer Tatum*	Football	Yes
Mid-Continent Conference	Western Illinois University	Jarrell Johnson	Football and Men’s Track and Field	Yes
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference	Coppin State University	Graham Johnson*	Baseball	Yes
Missouri Valley Conference	Creighton University	Charles Davis*	Men's Cross Country	No
Mountain West Conference	University of New Mexico	Kimilia Davis	Women’s Track and Field	Yes
Northeast Conference	Mount St. Mary’s University	Lani Gholston	Women’s Track and Field	Yes
Ohio Valley Conference	Murray